Estimates of daily net endogenous acid production in the elderly UK population: analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) of British adults aged 65 years and over.

Dietary intake has been shown to influence acid-base balance in human subjects under tightly controlled conditions. However, the net effect of food groups on alkali/acid loading in population groups is unclear. The aims of the present study were to: (1) quantify estimates of daily net endogenous acid production (NEAP) (mEq/d) in a representative group of British elderly aged 65 years and older; (2) compare and characterise NEAP by specific nutrients and food groups likely to influence dietary acid loading; (3) determine whether geographical location influenced NEAP. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey dataset, consisting of a 4 d weighed record and anthropometric data, was used to estimate dietary acidity. Dietary under-reporters were excluded by analysing only subjects with energy intakes >/= 1.2 x BMR. NEAP was estimated as the dietary potential renal acid load+organic acid excretion, the latter as a multiple of estimated body surface area. NEAP was lower in women compared with men (P < 0.001), and lower than values reported in a Swedish elderly cohort. Lower dietary acidity was significantly associated with higher consumption of fruit and potatoes and lower consumption of meat, bread and eggs (P < 0.02 to P < 0.001). Lower intakes of fish and cheese were associated with lower NEAP in men only (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). There were regional differences for NEAP, with higher intakes in Scotland/Northern regions compared with Central/South-Western and London/South-Eastern regions (P = 0.01). These data provide an insight into the acid-generating potential of the diet in the British elderly population, which may have important consequences in this vulnerable group.

Current strategies for preventing or ameliorating postoperative ileus: a multimodal approach.

PURPOSE: Internal and external factors that contribute to postoperative ileus (POI), the efficacy and safety of various nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions that have been evaluated for the prevention or amelioration of POI, and the current multimodal approach used in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery are described. SUMMARY: Catecholamine and cytokine release associated with the stress response to surgery and the use of certain antiemetic medications, opioid analgesics, and inhaled anesthetics are among the factors that contribute to POI. Early ambulation does not affect the duration of POI, although it has other benefits for patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Clinical experience supports the use of laparoscopy instead of laparotomy if possible, removal of nasogastric tubes shortly after surgery, restriction of intravenous fluids, and initiation of clear oral liquids and ambulation on the first postoperative day. The recommended therapeutic approach for patients undergoing major abdominal surgery involves thoracic epidural analgesia using a local anesthetic with or without an epidural opioid analgesic, and systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for their opioid-sparing effect if systemic opioid analgesics are used. Buprenorphine may be preferred if a systemic opioid analgesic is used, because it has little effect on gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Metoclopramide, erythromycin, beta blockers, laxatives, neostigmine, naloxone, and gum chewing are not useful for treating POI. CONCLUSION: Most pharmacologic interventions that have been tried in an effort to prevent or ameliorate POI are ineffective or cause intolerable adverse effects. Research is needed to identify and develop new drug therapies for POI.